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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Median Salary
48,940
Job Outlook
+6%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

74%

State and local government

12%

Self-employed

10%

Private not for profit

3%

Federal Government

2%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of surveying and mapping technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 7,600 openings for surveying and mapping technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$29,830

10%

$48,940

Median

$72,490

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Geography
  • Geographic Information Science and Cartography
  • Surveying Technology/Surveying

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Geography
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Mathematics
  • Design
  • Engineering and Technology

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.